Phenomenon Based Learning (PhBL) is a multi-disciplinary form of learning that approaches a topic (phenomenon) initially from a bird's eye view. PhBL was developed as a means to address the growing need for learning experiences which encounter and solve real-world issues while being aligned to 21st century skills. The topic or concept is deconstructed into distinct yet interdependent aspects. The learning then spirals full circle to encompass the topic or concept holistically.
PhBL SPOTLIGHT: Food Science & Culture
We are SO thrilled to share this PhBL concept that emerged from a design team collaboration here in Washington State as we support the opening of Cascade Charter School. Our design team developed multiple concepts for PhBL experiences before involving students and community members in selecting the most relevant concepts and contributing to their continued development for what will become the 9th grade PhBL curriculum.
We hope these concepts will seed some ideas with you!
Phenomenon: Sharing Food Brings People Together
Guiding Question(s):
Where does my food come from?
How does food build community?
What is “good” food?
Do people eat better now than in the past?
How do foods differ depending on where we live?
How can we make our school lunches as tasty and nutritious as possible?
Context Anchors:
Key dishes of different cultures
Diets and daily foods of different cultures
Food science/body systems/allergies/nutrition
Food sources/distribution/waste
Cooking & baking skills
Modern & historical trade/commerce (triangle trade)
Documentaries “Water, Air, Heat” “Fed Up”
Books: “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” “Food Rules” “Fast Food Nation” “Seed Folks”
Edible & Medicinal plants/foods
Tangibles:
Event: Community lunches/cultural food sharing & hosting
Publishing community cookbook w/ recipes and narrative histories to sale at exhibition
Ingredient trace research (cinnamon, sugar, etc.)
Food bank community service
Garden
Cooking with sustainable ingredients (insects)
Standards:
Science:
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Anatomy & Physiology
History/Social Studies:
Trade
Culture
Mapping
Math:
Budgets
Area (garden)
Ratios of baking
Graphing resources
Adult World Connections:
Community gardens
Food banks
Chefs/entrepreneurs
Local international food stores
Grocery stores/farmers markets
“Eat with Muslims”
